Cam Smith one of the world's 'top five players'

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Former South Sydney hooker Mario Fenech has pin-pointed Storm captain Cameron Smith as one of the modern game’s truly great players, rating him amongst the top five of the current era.<br><br>The former NSW Origin representative highlighted Smith’s all round skills and excellent kicking game as key components of the Storm’s game plan. <br><br>“He is clever, he is a great defender too. [He has a] great kicking game. He’s a good goal kicker. He’s in the top five players in our great game,” Fenech revealed on Bigpond Sports Weekend. <br><br>“He has got great sense, he really knows when to run [and] when to pass… he can kick a goal as well.”<br><br>The Kangaroo representative was ruled out of last year’s grand final for a grapple tackle on Brisbane’s Sam Thaiday, but is set to lead his team against a rampant Parramatta Eels in this Sunday’s grand final.<br><br>Whilst flying fullback Billy Slater and hulking centre Greg Inglis steal all the headlines, it is Smith who guides the Melbourne ship week in week out, reeking havoc for opposition defenses in and around the ruck. <br><br>NRL chief statistician David Middleton supported Fenech’s comments, identifying Smith as one hooker who is more than capable of getting across the white line once in a while as well. &nbsp;<br><br>“Cameron Smith’s not only a great goal kicker, he’s also now the highest point scorer in the history of the Melbourne Storm. <br><br>“He broke the record that was held by Matt Orford of all people, in last night’s game. <br><br>“He’s more than handy with the boot, he’s a huge contributor to that team.” <br><br>The tough hooker will aim to lead from the front come Sunday as a fast play the ball and an accurate kicking game will go a long way to taking the Storm to grand final glory. <br>